Customs: efficiency, saving and European reform in sight

Okay, a bit complicated... What does it mean?

When required, companies charge import duties to consumers who have ordered a product. In case of a return, the company pays duties again upon re-entry.
A major inefficiency: the customer pays, and the merchant pays again for a transaction that is essentially null. Money wasted on both sides. The classic TBE: Total Bad Experience.

To fix this issue—this system bug in cross-border operations—there is duty-free reintroduction, technically known as RiF. This procedure is not simple, but at Drop, we have been managing it for years with great satisfaction from all parties involved.

Recently, we took a step further: we obtained a Customs certification called Ret Relief. In essence, it grants us authorization to carry out all the necessary customs checks directly on their behalf.

What does this mean?

✅ Efficiency
✅ Reduced processing times
✅ No customs inspections during the reimportation process (any necessary checks are later handled by Drop, if needed).

We’re particularly proud of this because:

• Ret Relief is an efficient and intelligent service.
• In the Marche region, only two companies offer it, and in business, these details matter.

Now, a quick update on customs regulations.

Europe is preparing to revolutionize its customs system, and there’s a key detail that e-commerce businesses cannot ignore: the reform of the EU Customs Code could be brought forward to 2026.

What does this mean for e-commerce?
From 2026, selling online and shipping abroad will become more complex, with stricter procedures, new obligations, and the risk of customs holds. But there is also a way to get ahead of the game and turn this challenge into an advantage.

What changes with the new reform?

The new regulations aim for greater transparency and digitalization of customs processes. Key updates include:

• Stricter customs procedures: More rigorous checks on declarations, with less room for error.
• A single European customs platform: To centralize information and speed up processes.
• More responsibility for online sellers: Those shipping goods must ensure that customs information is accurate and up-to-date.

In short, if you sell products online and ship internationally, you’ll need to streamline your logistics processes and ensure full compliance.

And that’s where we come in!

Every regulatory change brings challenges, but also opportunities for improvement.

1. Logistics Optimization

Managing international shipments has never been more complex. With the new customs rules, the risk of delays and holds increases. That’s why we support you in optimizing your supply chain, improving document management, and ensuring every shipment meets the new standards.

2. Merchant of Record (MoR)

Don’t want to get lost in tax management, customs declarations, and compliance? Drop can act as your Merchant of Record, handling the entire sales process—including taxes—for you. This way, you’ll always stay compliant without wasting time.

3. Automation & IT Integration

The new regulations push for more advanced digitalization of customs processes. At Drop, we help you integrate your e-commerce systems with customs platforms, allowing you to track every shipment in real time and avoid unpleasant surprises.

4. Multi-Marketplace Management

Selling on multiple marketplaces means dealing with different rules for each country. With Drop, you get a single, centralized management system that helps you easily adapt to new customs regulations—without disrupting your international sales strategy.

The Time to Act is Now!

2026 may seem far away, but we know that regulations wait for no one. Being proactive means avoiding roadblocks and turning a potential problem into a competitive advantage.

Have you thought about how to tackle this challenge yet?

Contact us for a free advisory session!

— 14 February 2025